Becoming the Comfort Alpha for the Aloof Movie Queen - Chapter 50

You Really Are Small

Liang Ruojing stood dazed until the assistant director gave her a nudge. “Greet her! Are you happy to the point of being silly?”

In the eyes of others, they didn’t have much intersection. Liang Ruojing was a minor actress, and Ming Tanqing was Director Lin’s friend who was helping out—at most, they had exchanged a few words.

Liang Ruojing became flustered. “Hello, Sister Ming.”

Ming Tanqing turned her head and said to the other two, “I want to have a few words alone with Ruojing.”

The assistant director took a few seconds to react. “Sure,” she said, giving Liang Ruojing a look. After speaking, she pulled the makeup artist away.

Liang Ruojing’s back remained stiff. She was still immersed in a state of immense shock. She felt crazy, but reality was even crazier. Ming Tanqing had really joined the cast of The Vendetta to play the role of Sun Ying.

The Omega’s ethereal voice suddenly rang out, spoken with a hint of a smile: “Are you really that surprised?”

Ming Tanqing turned toward the sofa and sat down, crossing her legs. Usually, she wouldn’t adopt such a posture. But Sun Ying would; she possessed an aura—unrestrained and unconventional, yet charming and moving.

The black suit wrapped around her body wasn’t a symbol of abstinence; instead, it magnified the mystery in her temperament. Her long legs stretched out, her calves slender, the pant legs swaying. Moving upward, the fabric gradually tightened, truly outlining a section of her thigh, giving a “visual sense” of a soft touch. Even the curve where the sofa sank seemed to possess magic.

Liang Ruojing didn’t dare look any longer, meeting Ming Tanqing’s eyes instead. It still felt surreal. “Sister Ming, why are you playing Sun Ying?”

Ming Tanqing raised her hand to prop up her face, looking up at Liang Ruojing. Her red lips curled into a smile, as if she knew everything. “Did you think I did it because of you?”

Liang Ruojing shook her head, her heart nearly jumping out of her chest. It was too unfair. How could such a person exist in this world?

“I won’t tease you anymore.” Ming Tanqing stood up, instantly returning to the lily-like Image Queen Ming. “When Xiuzhu first got the script, this role was originally offered to me.”

Ming Tanqing stepped forward, stopping in front of Liang Ruojing, her red lips parting: “My physical condition didn’t allow it then, so I refused.”

Liang Ruojing nodded.

Ming Tanqing stepped further forward, lightly pressing against the Alpha. Isolation patches plus pheromone-eliminating spray—she had to be this close to smell the Alpha’s pheromones. Minty freshness mixed with the heat of alcohol, blending into the unique Liang Ruojing of this world.

Ming Tanqing actually quite liked this scent. “Thank you, Xiao Jing. I can act now,” Ming Tanqing said suddenly.

Liang Ruojing couldn’t control the heat in her face. “It… it was just a small effort.”

“A small effort?” Ming Tanqing echoed, taking a step back. Her slender, white finger pressed against the Alpha’s chest, tapping playfully. “You don’t know how many roles I’ve missed.”

Liang Ruojing was startled. She hadn’t dared to think too much about the two years Ming Tanqing had disappeared, those two years plagued by illness. However, looking up, there was no sign of dejection on the subject’s face. Even if there was, it was fleeting.

Ming Tanqing gazed at her. Suddenly, she smiled. “Actually, it was also because of you.”

Liang Ruojing looked up, wanting to hear more. However, Ming Tanqing patted her shoulder and walked away. “Going to take the look-test photos.”

Liang Ruojing could swear that because of those words, she didn’t sleep well for three days. Even at night, she didn’t dare ask more. Her heart felt like it held a piece of candy, which she would take out to savor every now and then. Every word was like honey.

Changing a cast member was no small matter; there were endless details to handle. Ming Tanqing was highly famous. If you threw a stone in the crew, hitting ten people, eight would like her, and the other two would be familiar with her name. Lin Xiuzhu specifically held a meeting in advance, stating that no information should be leaked privately to avoid causing public controversy and affecting normal filming.

Another three days passed, and Ming Tanqing officially joined the group. The crew held a small welcome party. Ming Tanqing was surrounded by people, wearing a white cashmere coat over her fitted uniform. A circle of fur around the collar framed her palm-sized face like a cloud; her smile was light and incredibly gentle.

You Xi’s withdrawal meant that all the scenes involving Sun Ying had to be reshot. Fortunately, her appearances weren’t numerous. With some overtime, they could finish the scenes in Huafeng before the Spring Festival.

As for the co-star—in the whole play, there was one character whose scenes with her accounted for 70% of the total.

During a break, the assistant director approached Liang Ruojing, who was watching nearby, and handed her a cup of warm water. “Everything has to be reshot. It’s hard on you.”

Liang Ruojing took the water, moistened her lips, and her gaze drifted, landing on Ming Tanqing under the spotlights. “Sister Ming is the one who’s working hard.”

To keep up with the schedule, Ming Tanqing was practically working non-stop. The actors playing opposite her came and went, but she was the only one who remained in the studio from beginning to end, never leaving.

In the past few days, even when Liang Ruojing had no scenes, she had come. And she often arrived just before or after Ming Tanqing. Huahua was puzzled and even asked her in the car yesterday why she didn’t rest at the hotel since it was a rare break.

Tang Yuecen understood perfectly and explained it logically. First, Liang Ruojing was a true fan of Ming Tanqing, so she naturally wouldn’t miss a chance to follow her idol offline. Second, Ming Tanqing’s acting skills were superlative; even just observing would allow one to learn a lot.

Liang Ruojing felt this deeply. The impact of the “Thin President” role continued to this day, bringing her even more shock. So this was what gifted acting looked like.

Acting was like a mountain; every actor was a climber. Understanding the script and knowing what character you were playing was only the first step. Further up was understanding the character and pondering subtle emotions. This was also called “getting into character.”

At this stage, the gap was already evident. Emotions that Liang Ruojing had to think about carefully to understand, Ming Tanqing could grasp with just a few glances. However, merely understanding the character and knowing how to act wasn’t enough. One also needed to be able to perform it. Many people were stuck at this step for their entire lives.

Ming Tanqing, however, could easily convey the atmosphere in her mind. Vivid and natural, anyone could be pulled into the atmosphere of the story by her. When she performed exhaustion, even the air seemed to become heavy. Onlookers felt out of breath. The next second, with a change in scenery, she could portray condescension and nonchalance.

Liang Ruojing watched, dazzled. She had thought she had climbed high enough. Looking at it now, it was far from enough.

After three scenes were filmed in one go, Lin Xiuzhu clapped his hands and told the actors and staff to take a break. Ming Tanqing didn’t go back to the RV; she sat on a similarly simple small folding stool. Her long legs were slightly bent, looking strangely obedient.

A young actor holding a signature book timidly moved toward Ming Tanqing. “Sister Ming, can I have your autograph?”

“Sure.” Ming Tanqing took the pen and the book, placed them on her thigh, thought for a few seconds, then looked up. “What’s the name? I’ll write a ‘to’ signature for you.”

In the dead of winter, that actor’s face instantly turned red, and they stuttered out their name. The Omega lowered her eyes, signed seriously, and handed it back with both hands.

Liang Ruojing watched as that usually “cool” actor left with stiff, uncoordinated steps. Having started it, more people came with their books. Within minutes, a small line had actually formed.

Liang Ruojing watched like a “waiting-for-sister” stone. So many people. There was an inexplicable sourness in her heart. She told herself: It’s fine, you have one. But the next second, Liang Ruojing was already standing in front of Ming Tanqing, counting the Omega’s soft eyelashes.

“Sister Ming.”

The long, feathery lashes trembled slightly as Ming Tanqing looked up, her gentle smile gaining a bit of surprise. “You want one too? Where’s the paper?”

Liang Ruojing’s hand was almost out of her pocket. Ming Tanqing narrowed her eyes and asked her, “Do you want a photo together?”

Liang Ruojing stuffed her hand back in. “Yes.”

The set manager had a Polaroid camera usually used for promotional materials; it happened to be borrowed today. Qi Lin helped take the photo, his smile meaningful. “Get closer! Xiao Liang, half your body is out of the frame.”

Liang Ruojing sheepishly edged closer. Her left hand was behind her, close to the Omega. The envious gazes around her were nearly setting her back on fire. With a click, the photo popped out. Qi Lin pulled it out and handed it to Liang Ruojing. “Keep it warm.”

The Alpha’s palm was hot, and the image soon formed. Ming Tanqing took it, the pen tip moving, adding another dot. It wouldn’t blur; it wouldn’t be washed away by water. “Here.”

The photo frame was small, just capturing the upper bodies of the two. Ming Tanqing was looking at the camera; Liang Ruojing was looking at her. Liang Ruojing heard the vibration in her own chest.

Others were about to move, but then Lin Xiuzhu’s voice pierced in from afar. “Prepare for the scene! Go touch up your makeup!”

The excitement only then dissipated a bit, and Liang Ruojing felt a belated tension. Today was her first official scene with Ming Tanqing. They were to reenact the scene where Han Jiahe privately contacts the victim’s family and is caught by Sun Ying, leading to a confrontation.

Liang Ruojing gripped the script, taking a quick look at a few more lines. She had performed well last time. The arrogance of a young person in Han Jiahe had been portrayed vividly by her. Logically, as long as she maintained that state from the other day, it should pass quickly.

The problem lay right there. Facing Yue Xi, Liang Ruojing could easily substitute Han Jiahe’s mentality. But facing Ming Tanqing… her words lacked confidence. Besides admiration, there was a lingering sweetness. It rose and fell in her heart, hard to cool down.

This emotion directly affected Liang Ruojing’s filming state. Liang Ruojing stood with her hands in her pockets in front of Sun Ying, the cold wind blowing her bangs to reveal a pair of strikingly bright puppy eyes.

Lin Xiuzhu silently moved the camera away. “Cut.”

“Liang Ruojing, are you acting in an idol drama?”

Liang Ruojing shrank back, sweat trickling down her neck. “Director Lin, give me a few more minutes.”

The assistant director reminded her: “You have a surge of anger in your heart, suppressed; you’re dissatisfied with Sun Ying’s suppression of you, but you can’t show it too obviously because Han Jiahe actually admires Sun Ying.”

Liang Ruojing nodded. She walked to a corner and read the script again.

This scene was being shot in a park. The afternoon sunlight was better. Liang Ruojing looked up and suddenly saw Ming Tanqing beckoning her. There was a fountain in the center of the garden. Mist drifted, carrying a chilling air. Ming Tanqing was sitting there.

Liang Ruojing walked over and sat down beside her. “Sister Ming.”

Ming Tanqing crossed her long legs and suddenly took out a cigarette from her pocket. Holding it between two fingers, her gaze drifted nonchalantly toward Liang Ruojing.

Liang Ruojing was stunned; Sister Ming didn’t smoke. The cigarette was slender, looking like the kind Lin Xiuzhu usually smoked.

“Stupid,” Ming Tanqing flicked her finger. “Don’t you even have this much discernment?”

The Omega’s gaze was frivolous, with a half-smile—clearly Sun Ying’s expression. Liang Ruojing reacted suddenly; this part wasn’t in the script. But seeing Ming Tanqing’s eyes, Liang Ruojing believed it existed. Perhaps it happened on some afternoon between Han Jiahe and Sun Ying.

Liang Ruojing found the prop lighter in her coat and lit it. Ming Tanqing leaned in, lowering her head slightly, her eyelashes drooping submissively. The lines were beautiful, leading one’s gaze to fall on her perfectly shaped lips.

The wind was strong outdoors. Liang Ruojing leaned over, shielding the wind for Ming Tanqing. Her fingertips almost touched the Omega’s face. Suddenly, a spark of crimson light ignited. Smoke rose, instantly distancing the two.

Ming Tanqing looked up and exhaled a puff of smoke. Her red lips appeared vivid in the white mist. Her gaze was explicit, unreservedly sizing up the newcomer before her. Liang Ruojing suddenly felt the embarrassment of being seen stripped of her clothes.

After a full half-minute, Ming Tanqing finally moved her gaze away. The corners of her lips curled up, as if saying “nothing special.” With just one look, a lot of humiliation that didn’t belong to Liang Ruojing rose in her heart. It mixed with her own palpitations, making it complex and hard to distinguish.

Ming Tanqing tapped her finger, and the ash fell to the ground. Liang Ruojing felt as if she had been burned. Just as she was about to speak, the tie at her collar was suddenly grabbed.

Liang Ruojing was startled and instinctively leaned back. “Tsk,” Ming Tanqing said, biting the cigarette, her chin slightly raised, her tone impatient: “Don’t move, let me see.”

The Omega used force, pulling Liang Ruojing so that her head bowed. The tie tightened around her neck; a bit painful. They were too close; Liang Ruojing could even smell the scent on Ming Tanqing. The lily fragrance was cold, with a hint of sweetness.

“What’s your name?”

“Han Jiahe.”

“Which school did you graduate from?”

This information was clearly in the files, but Sun Ying insisted on Han Jiahe saying it personally. Liang Ruojing pursed her lips: “China University of Political Science and Law.”

Ming Tanqing took down the cigarette, holding it in her hand, and looked at her. Her gaze moved down, landing on the Alpha’s waist and abdomen. From there, it quickly flowed over her entire body.

“How old are you?” Ming Tanqing asked again.

Liang Ruojing’s hands hanging at her sides involuntarily clenched. Her patience was reaching a limit, yet she still answered obediently: “Twenty-two years old.”

“Hmm.”

Ming Tanqing studied Liang Ruojing’s profile. Her ears were blood-red. She bit the cigarette and pulled the tie again. Liang Ruojing, not understanding, leaned in submissively. Suddenly, her ear was pinched and rubbed playfully a few times. The blue eyes narrowed, looking very appreciative.

Liang Ruojing’s eyes widened. “Sister…”

Ming Tanqing finally let go. With a soft thud, the tie fell back against Liang Ruojing’s body. She stood up, one hand in her pocket, and took another drag. The cold wind blew, lifting a corner of her trench coat, looking exceptionally dashing.

The Alpha’s face was flushed, her hand covering the ear that had just been pinched, her gaze uncertain and startled. Ming Tanqing smiled amidst the exhaled smoke.

“Han Jiahe, you really are small.”